The Last Shangri-La · Mysterious Daocheng

Daocheng County, Garzê Prefecture — the last pure land on the blue planet. The 2-day 1-night itinerary visits the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area, pays homage to the three sacred mountains, explores the plateau lakes, and experiences the stunning natural scenery and sacred religious atmosphere of Daocheng County.

Daocheng Yading
Natural Heritage
Three Sacred Mountains
Religious Sanctuary
Pearl Sea
Plateau Lake
Milk Sea
Natural Wonder
Yading Scenic Area, Daocheng County, Garzê
Panorama of the Three Sacred Mountains of Daocheng Yading
The three sacred mountains Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xianuoduoji in Daocheng County

Daocheng County Two-Day One-Night Natural Paradise Journey

Sacred mountains & holy lakes + plateau scenery + religious culture, experience the diverse charm of Daocheng

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Daocheng Yading, Xiannairi Sacred Mountain, Pearl Sea, Milk Sea
Suitable For
Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, trekking adventurers
Budget per person
¥800 - ¥1200
01
Yading Scenic Area Exploration
Pilgrimage to Xiannairi Sacred Mountain & Chonggu Temple
Highlights

Full-day nature and culture experience

Attractions
Daocheng Yading National Nature Reserve
Known as "the last pure land on the blue planet", it integrates natural landscapes such as snow mountains, glaciers, lakes, grasslands, and forests, and is a World Natural Heritage site.
Xiannairi Sacred Mountain
The highest of the three sacred mountains in Daocheng Yading, at an altitude of 6,032 meters. Its Tibetan name means "Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva", an important pilgrimage site in Tibetan Buddhism, with a majestic and solemn shape.
Chonggu Temple
An ancient temple at the foot of Xiannairi Sacred Mountain, at an altitude of 3,880 meters. It is a transportation hub to various scenic spots and an important religious site for worshipping the sacred mountain.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • Acclimatize to altitude in plateau areas
  • Protect the natural environment
  • Respect religious sites
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Tibetan-style guesthouse in Yading Village
  • Hotel in Shangri-La Town
  • Lodging inside the scenic area
02
Holy Lake Trekking Experience
Exploring Pearl Sea & Milk Sea
Highlights

Full-day hiking and sightseeing experience

Attractions
Pearl Sea
A high-mountain lake at the foot of Xiannairi Sacred Mountain, called "Zhuomala Lake" in Tibetan. The lake water is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the snowy mountain, creating a picturesque scene.
Milk Sea
A high-mountain lake at an altitude of 4,500 meters. Named for the milky-white color of its water caused by white sediment at the bottom. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the scenery is magnificent.
Yangmaiyong Sacred Mountain
One of the three sacred mountains, at an altitude of 5,958 meters. Its Tibetan name means "Manjushri Bodhisattva". The mountain is steep and towering, regarded as a symbol of wisdom and culture.
Practical Information
Special Experiences
  • Plateau trekking adventure
  • Sacred mountain pilgrimage & prayer wheel turning
  • Starry sky photography
  • Tibetan cultural experience
Return Suggestions
  • Buy Tibetan handicrafts
  • Taste dried yak meat
  • Be aware of altitude sickness
  • Allow sufficient time

Must-Try Foods in Daocheng County

Daocheng Matsutake Mushroom

A premium specialty of Daocheng, thick in flesh and rich in aroma. This rare plateau ingredient can be used in soups or stir-fries.

Yak Meat Hotpot

A hotpot made with fresh local yak meat. The meat is tender and nutritious, a characteristic delicacy of the plateau region.

Butter Tea

A traditional Tibetan drink made from butter and tea leaves. Rich and delicious, it helps replenish energy and adapt to the plateau environment.

Highland Barley Cake (Tsampa)

A cake-like food made from plateau highland barley flour. Crispy in texture and rich in nutrition, it is a traditional staple food in Tibetan areas.

Daocheng County Travel Tips
Best Season
  • April-May: Rhododendrons bloom, charming spring scenery
  • September-October: Most beautiful autumn colors, best for photography
  • June-August: Cool summer, green grasslands
  • Winter: Spectacular snow scenes, keep warm
Travel Advice
  • Trek within your limits on the plateau
  • Prepare cold and sun protection gear
  • Respect local religious culture
  • Protect the natural environment
Useful Information
  • Tickets required for the scenic area
  • Keep warm in plateau areas
  • Prepare oxygen cylinders as backup
  • Follow scenic area regulations
Transportation Guide
  • Buses available from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station to Daocheng
  • Flights from Daocheng Airport connect to Chengdu
  • Shuttle buses required within the scenic area
  • Pay attention to safety on hiking trails

Explore Towns and Counties in Garzê Prefecture